FOREX: GBP Selloff Consolidating, BOE Decision Due Thursday

Nov-03 10:45
  • UK fiscal developments have been key in shaping the short-term trajectory for sterling, however, there might be greater focus this week on the BOE decision, of which the outcome is far from certain. Indeed, we would categorise our own view as 50/50 between a 25bp cut and a hold given the downside surprises to inflation and wage growth.
  • Despite Friday’s GBPUSD close above, last week’s breach of key 1.3142 support is a meaningful development for the pair, strengthening current bearish conditions. Last week’s low at 1.3097 represents the immediate level of note, while more meaningful support is at 1.3041, the Apr 14 low. Below here, support appears scant until 1.2709, the April 07 low.
  • EURGBP has weakened a touch to start the week, with the cross returning to the prior breakout point of 0.8769. Note that the overall trend is overbought, and this pullback is considered corrective at this juncture, with initial support coming in at 0.8751, the Sep 25 high. Topside targets for the broader rally include 0.8835 and 0.8875, the April 2023 high.
  • Another cross that will remain in focus is GBPAUD, especially given the RBA decision on Tuesday. A break of the recent cycle lows at 2.0244 significantly boosted downside momentum, with the cross printing below 2.00 last week, the lowest level in 8 months. Consolidating weakness may signal scope for an extension lower towards the year’s lows around 1.96.
  • Elsewhere this week, DMP data is scheduled after the BOE, which could hint at whether December is in play, while markets will also pay attention to final services PMI figures.

Historical bullets

USDCAD TECHS: Fresh Cycle High

Oct-03 20:00
  • RES 4: 1.4111 High Apr 10 
  • RES 3: 1.4045 3.0% Upper Bollinger Band
  • RES 2: 1.4019 38.2% retracement of the Feb 3 - Jun 16 bear leg
  • RES 1: 1.3989 200-dma
  • PRICE: 1.3953 @ 16:02 BST Oct 3
  • SUP 1: 1.3897/3825 Low Sep 30 / 50-day EMA  
  • SUP 2: 1.3727 Low Aug 29 and a bear trigger
  • SUP 3: 1.3689 Low Jul 28  
  • SUP 4: 1.3637 Low Jul 25  

A bull cycle in USDCAD remains intact and yesterday’s break above the late September’s high, firms the bullish theme. This move higher also maintains the bullish price sequence of higher highs and higher lows. Note too that moving average studies are in a bull-mode position, highlighting a dominant uptrend. Sights are on 1.4019, a Fibonacci retracement point. On the downside, first key support lies at 1.3825, the 50-day EMA.    

AUDUSD TECHS: Support Remains Intact For Now

Oct-03 19:30
  • RES 4: 0.6763 1.382 proj of the Jun 23 - Jul 24 - Aug 21 price swing
  • RES 3: 0.6726 1.236 proj of the Jun 23 - Jul 24 - Aug 21 price swing
  • RES 2: 0.6660/6707 High Sep 18 / 17 and key resistance
  • RES 1: 0.6629 High Sep 30 & Oct 01
  • PRICE: 0.6603 @ 16:01 BST Oct 3
  • SUP 1: 0.6527/21 61.8% of the Aug 21 - Sep 17 bull leg / Low Sep 26 
  • SUP 2: 0.6484 76.4% retracement of the Aug 21 - Sep 17 bull leg
  • SUP 3: 0.6463/6415 Low Aug 27 / Low Aug 21 / 22 and a bear trigger 
  • SUP 4: 0.6373 Low Jun 23

The AUDUSD uptrend remains intact and recent weakness appears to have been a correction. Support to watch lies at the 50-day EMA, at 0.6558. A clear break of this average would signal scope for a deeper retracement and expose 0.6527 once again, a Fibonacci retracement. For bulls, a stronger reversal higher would refocus attention on 0.6707, the Sep 17 high. Initial resistance to watch is 0.6629, the Sep 30 and Oct 1 high.    

US TSYS/SUPPLY: September's Coupon Auctions Were Generally Solid (2/2)

Oct-03 19:29

September’s coupon auctions were generally solid, with three lines trading through, two coming out on the screws and two tailing slightly. 

  • Looking through the lens of MNI’s Relative Strength Indicator (RSI), five lines saw positive readings while two saw negative readings.
  • The 3-year sale was the strongest auction of the month according to MNI’s RSI. The 3-year line traded through 0.7bps, the largest stop through in seven months. Meanwhile, the primary dealer take-up was just 8.4%, the lowest on record (data going back to 2003).
  • The weakest sale of the month was the last – the 7-year line. This line saw the second consecutive 0.5bp tail, with the 12.0% primary dealer take-up above August’s 9.8% and July’s record low 4.1%. 

September Auction Review:

  • 2Y Note on-the-screws: 3.571% vs. 3.571% WI.
  • 2Y FRN: 0.200% high margin vs. 0.195% prior
  • 3Y Note trade-through: 3.485% vs. 3.492% WI.
  • 5Y Note tail: 3.710% vs 3.709% WI.
  • 7Y Note tail: 3.953% vs. 3.948% WI.
  • 10Y Note trade-through: 4.033% vs. 4.047% WI.
  • 10Y TIPS: 1.734% high yield vs. 1.985% prior
  • 20Y Bond trade-through: 4.613% vs 4.615% WI.
  • 30Y Bond on-the-screws: 4.651% vs. 4.651% WI.
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